LAKELAND, Fla. (November 1, 2025) — Lubbock Christian University routed UVA Wise 90-52 on Saturday at Jenkins Field House to open up the 2025-26 season.
The Chaparrals' offense was strong, hitting 34 of 64 shots from the field, including 11 three-pointers. The team dominated the boards with a 45-38 rebounding advantage, despite UVAW's size advantage, and converted 22 points off turnovers. UVA Wise struggled offensively, making only 20 of 63 field goal attempts, and was outscored 48-28 in the second half.
The Chaparrals start the season at 1-0 overall. UVA Wise begins their campaign with an 0-1 record.
Lubbock Christian opened the first half assertively, taking control with the game's first eight points.
Alex Anamekwe contributed significantly with both defensive rebounds and two three-pointers, as the Chaps jumped out to a 15-point lead just five minutes in. The team's offense was further bolstered by the efforts of
Lucas Mercandino, who had 11 first half points, and
Antonio Pusateri, who scored nine in the opening 20 minutes.
Despite efforts from UVA Wise, including a brief scoring run that cut the lead back to 13, the Chaparrals maintained a steady lead throughout the half. By the end of the first half, LCU led 42-24.
Lubbock Christian opened the second half with a 7-0 scoring run led by Miller Jr., who contributed multiple layups and a three-pointer.
Kendall Dow added a fast-break three-pointer at 18:38, increasing their lead.
The Chaparrals extended their advantage with Lee van der Westhuizen and
Ignacio Garcia each scoring layups in the latter half. They outscored their opponents 48-28 in the second half, culminating in a decisive 90-52 victory over the Cavaliers.
Amondo Miller Jr. led the team with 19 points, converting seven of 12 field goals and collecting nine rebounds. Pusateri matched Miller Jr.'s scoring with 19 points while pulling down a team-high 13 rebounds. Anamekwe added a career-high 18 points, highlighted by four three-pointers, and recorded two steals and two blocks.
Lucas Mercandino contributed 11 points, including three three-pointers.
GAME NOTES:
- A whopping five different Chaps finished in double figures, including 19 apiece from
Antonio Pusateri in his first LCU appearance and
Amondo Miller Jr., who was three shy of matching his LCU career high.
- UVAW shot 50 percent from the free-throw line (9-18), which is the worst free-throw shooting percentage by a Chap opponent since the second game of last season, when St. Cloud State also shot 50 percent.
- LCU has now won six consecutive season-openers, dating back to the 2020-21 season. They have not started a season 2-0, however, since the 2021-22 season.
- Every healthy player on the team got in the game for the Chaparrals, including collegiate debuts for Lee Van Der Westuizen,
Jett McCasland,
Emerson Juhasz, and
Adam Varadi.
- Pusateri led the Chaps with 13 rebounds, which is the most by an LCU player in a single game since Feb. 15, 2024, when Tiras Morton had 14.
NEXT UP:
It's a quick turnaround for Lubbock Christian, which will be back on the court at 11 a.m. on Sunday to take on Augusta.
